Controlled synthesis of radiolabelled amine methacrylate water-soluble polymers with end-groups of varying hydrophobicity and studies of adsorption behaviourElectronic Supplementary Information (ESI) available: Experimental details, radio-characterisation, 1H NMR spectra of initiators, GPC characterisation of p(DEAEMA), R-TLC of polymers, regression curves derived from surface tension measurements. See DOI: 10.1039/c1py00397f

The effect of chain end chemistry on the behaviour of poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) has been studied through the placement of various radioactive groups with increasing hydrophobicity at the chain end of the polymer. Controlled radical polymerisation with 14 C-labelled initiators was used to form polymers of very similar chain length including doubly-labelled, fluorescent-radio polymers. Monitoring and quantification of behaviour was conducted purely using radiotechniques, without the need for fluorescence measurement, showing a clear impact on solid surface adsorption across a range of surface types (filter paper, photographic paper and hair). The studies presented here have clear implications for the study of polymer behaviour through low level fluorescent modification of water-soluble polymers. Radioactive initiators of increasing hydrophobicity, including fluorescent initiators, have been used to conduct the ambient ATRP of poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) and the behaviour of the resultant polymers has been monitored with respect to surface adsorption using radio-techniques; considerable effects of end group type were observed.